Brief: Ombudsman program seeking volunteers

Posted: Tuesday, August 20, 2002

Ombudsman program seeking volunteers

The Nursing Home Ombudsman program of the Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle needs people to serve as advocates for residents in area nursing homes. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Ombudsmen promote resident rights, quality of life and quality of care by identifying and resolving complaints by or on behalf of residents, according to a news release.

An ombudsman is a trained and certified volunteer or professional supervised by one of 28 area agency networks supported by the Texas Department on Aging. The program is authorized by state and federal law.

Ombudsmen seek to:

n Provide information to residents and family about rights and procedures and help identify additional resources in or out of the facility.

Investigate and resolve complaints by or on behalf of personal care home and nursing facility residents.

Work with residents, families, friends and staff to resolve complaints and difficulties.

For details, contact Jeff Price or Tanya Mock at the Agency on Aging at 372-3381 or (800) 642-6008.